Here are preventive measures vs MERS-CoV

ABS-CBN News

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Health advised Filipinos in the Middle East, particularly in the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to take precautionary measures against the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome - Coronavirus.

At present, the World Health Organization has not declared any outbreak or epidemic of MERS-CoV in the Middle East. There are no travel restrictions to and from the Arabian Peninsula.

Filipinos in the Middle East are encouraged to practice the following precautions for their own protection:

1. Practice proper hand hygiene always, by washing your hands with soap or hand rubs with alcohol before and after eating; before and after handling, cooking and preparing food; after coughing, sneezing and using the toilets; and before and before and after touching animals.

2. Practice proper cough etiquette by covering your mouth and nose while sneezing or coughing. Use a facial tissue when coughing or sneezing and cover your mouth and nose with it. Dispose the tissue in a waste basket.

3. Avoid contact with farm and domesticated animals, including camels.

4. Avoid contact with sick or infected with MERS-CoV. If you have respiratory illness, stay home and wear a surgical mask to protect your family members.

5. If you are a health worker, strictly follow infection control protocols in your work.

7. If you were in close contact with a confirmed MERS-CoV patient, comply with local health regulations and postpone any trip abroad until after test results are negative.

8. Practice healthy habits such as regular exercise, balance3d and nutritional diet, and adequate sleep of at least 8 hours, as it would help strengthen the body’s immunity.

The DFA and DOH also advised Filipinos not to panic and believe rumors regarding MERS-CoV.

"One rumour alleges that 'UAE health authorities' have warned people to stay away for 72 hours from places such as malls, beaches hospitals, parks, and other locations that are believed to be 'hotspots for the new killing virus.' The Health Authority of Abu Dhabi (HAAD) subsequently denied issuing this statement," the DFA and DOH said.

There is no vaccine for the MERS virus, and it source is not yet known.

Earlier this month, a Filipino health worker in the city of al-Ain in UAE died from the MERS-CoV.

Last week, an OFW who returned to Manila from the UAE initially tested positive for the MERS-CoV but has since tested negative and is now out of quarantine.